A brief history of CILSCPA:

In 1970 Ed Roberts along with other students founded a program on the campus of the University of California at Berkley to assist students with disabilities in adapting to campus life and beyond.  Along with his friend and activist, Judy Heumann, they began what is now known as a "Center for Independent Living" in a one-bedroom apartment.  Their goal was to focus on individual rights, peer support, advocating for change, and independent living skills training.  Today there are 340 CIL's in the United States with 15 in Pennsylvania all working to empower people with disabilities to be decision-makers.

The Center for Independent Living of South Central Pennsylvania (CILSCPA) opened its office in Altoona in May 1988 operating under the auspices of the Center located in Pittsburgh.  The office began operations with two staff people- an Executive Director and a Secretary.  Within a year and a half, the staff grew to four members.

In October of 1989, CILSCPA "spun off" and became a free standing Center no longer operating under the CIL in Pittsburgh.  A new program was developed and implemented - the Deaf Action Awareness Program.  To date, the Center employs seven full-time - Altoona based employees.  They provide independent living services as well as services through the Deaf Action Awareness program and Statewide Action Team.  CILSCPA also employs two part-time Hiram G. Andrews Center / Johnstown based employees.  These two employees provide services relating to assistive technology through a partnership with the Hiram G. Andrews Center Lending Library.

To learn how to become an active participant in CILSCPA call (814) 949-1905 V/TTY or
1-800-237-9009 V/TTY

Our Mission:

The mission of the Center for Independent Living of South Central PA is to empower people with disabilities to lead independent lives in their communities.

General Information:

CILSCPA, established in 1988 is a non-profit, non residential, community based organization.  In accordance with the Rehabilitation Act, at least 51% of CILSCPA board members and staff have disabilities.  CILSCPA offers services and programs to people with disabilities in the following counties:

• Bedford
• Blair
• Cambria
• Fulton
• Huntingdon
• Indiana
• Somerset.